How The Nintendo Wii Measures Up
The Wii is the smallest home video game console released by Nintendo to date. It measures just less than 2 inches wide, just over 6 inches tall and just under 9 inches deep in its vertical orientation. The entire console is about the same size as three DVD cases stacked on top of each other. The console weighs less than 3 lbs and is also the lightest of the new generation of video game consoles. The front of the Wii has an illuminated slot for inserting games and accepts both standard size games designed for the Wii and smaller discs for the Game Cube.
The back of the Wii has two USB ports that can be used for internet connectivity and upgrades via WiiConnect24. There is and SD port under the front cover as well. The Wii's SD port can be used to download photos, back up saved game data, or store Virtual Console games. On the side of the Wii are ports for Game Cube and classic controllers if games played in the Wii require them. Currently the Wii only comes in white although Nintendo has shown both the console and controller in black, red, sliver, and green and says that more colors will eventually be available to the public.
The Wii packaging includes the console and a stand with a stabilizer so the console can be placed vertically, a Wii remote and Nunchuck attachment, a sensor bar and stand, power cables, AV cables and a copy of the game Wii Sports. The Wii is the first console to come prepackaged with a game and Wii sports is a great game to get players acquainted with the Wii controller. The Nintendo Wii retails for $250.00 in the US, much less than it's competition and another reason why it has such mass appeal.
The Wii's most innovative feature, its remote, uses accelerometers and infrared detection to register movements in space in real time. The controller's movements are tracked by LEDs in the Sensor bar. This unique design allows players to control the game on screen by moving the controller as well as pressing buttons and moving a joystick. The controller is wireless and uses Bluetooth technology. It has a built in rumble feature as well as a speaker. The remote also has an attached wrist strap to prevent players from accidentally dropping or throwing the remote. Because some players had wrist straps that broke under game play pressure, Nintendo manufactured thicker wrist straps in subsequent Wii models and offered to replace the thin ones released in the first shipments.
The Wii's graphics are better than its predecessor the Game Cube, but its revolutionary control interface takes center stage. Nintendo took some criticism for the lack of graphic upgrade in the Wii compared to the Play Station 3 and Xbox 360 but the appeal of the Wii proved to be more important than flashy graphics. The Wii's success hinges on the innovation behind the controls and the mass appeal to such a large demographic.
